Proverbs 27:17 says: "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."

 If you have been a Christian for some time, you can probably think of one person who has impacted your life for Christ. Either through their words or actions, they engraved in your mind an idea of who Jesus really is. I've known one such person and he has forever changed how I view Christ in my life.

Growing up, I was a very "religious" person. I was in church at one week old, I was saved at age six and I attended a Christian school. I was one of those kids that was at almost every youth activity that was held. You know the type....the "good, Christian kid" that did everything they were told because it was "the right thing to do". That was me. I followed all the "God rules", but inside I was left unfulfilled. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Lord; but there was no fire or passion for my Savior. I did it all out of obligation and because I thought I was bad if I didn't. I lived my life like this for 19 years never knowing what I was missing.

Then in the summer of '06, I met someone who changed my life. I was out witnessing with a group of different churches, when I met Jonathan Ember. From the moment I heard him talk about God, I could tell that there was something different about him. He wasn't just serving God; he was in love with God. He had an excitement and passion in his voice when he mentioned Jesus. After meeting him, I knew there was something missing in my own life. I loved Jesus, but I wasn't in love with Him.

Jonathan and I began a friendship. He began telling me of the decisions that he had made in his life that had helped him cultivate an intimate relationship with God. As he began opening my eyes to God's Word, I began to understand that serving God out of obligation is not serving, it's duty. I realized that our love is more important to God than even serving Him. (Mark 12:33) There is a freedom that comes when we worship God out of a heartfelt desire for intimacy with Him. He will empower and awaken your Spirit when you come to Him out of pure love and devotion!

Jonathan and I have been friends for two years now, and I am still learning from Him. My heart and eyes have been opened to the glory and majesty of my Savior because someone took the time to make a difference! My challenge to you is be an iron friend to someone. It will probably change a life.